Ways To Treat Salivary Gland Cancer

Endoscopic Surgery

Surgery is usually the first treatment for most salivary gland cancer patients, especially if it's slow-growing or in the early stages. The surgery is performed to remove the cancerous growth and some healthy tissue surrounding it. This treatment is done to remove as much of the tumor as possible, but it's very risky because of the locations of the salivary glands. There are many important nerves located in and around the salivary glands. In addition, the tumor may be close to the brain, eyes, or mouth.

In endoscopic surgery, a common type used to treat salivary gland cancer, the surgeon uses a thin, flexible tube equipped with lighting to explore the inside of the body. The tube, which is called an endoscope, is inserted through the mouth and threaded all the way down to the small bowel. Endoscopic surgery is less destructive to healthy tissues than regular surgery, and it can be used to remove tumors around the nose or in the larynx. Radiation therapy can be used after surgery to kill remaining cells.